Friday, April 22 marks the 41st anniversary of Earth Day,
a celebration for individuals and organizations alike to demonstrate
their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. As the
world continues to improve and promote green efforts on a universal
level, one cannot neglect the series of tragic events such as the
Tsunami in Japan or the massive oil spill in the Gulf that has taken a vast effect on our Mother Earth this past year!
"2011 is the year to lower your carbon footprint! By incorporating a few small changes into your everyday routine, you have the power to make a difference," says P. Allen Smith, award-winning garden designer and regular lifestyle contributor on NBC's The TODAY Show.
"This Earth Day, challenge yourself to make a few simple changes. Here are 6 easy tips to implement into your everyday routine":
- Clean green. Stop buying household cleaners that are potentially toxic to both you and the environment. Read labels for specific, eco-friendly ingredients that also perform effectively, including grain alcohol instead of toxic butyl cellosolve (commonly found in carpet cleaner and some window cleaners as a solvent) and coconut or other plant oils rather than petroleum commonly used in detergents.
- Purchase biodegradable trash bags. Conventional plastic garbage bags can take years to decompose in landfills, but biodegradable kitchen garbage bags like the ones offered from Biobag will compost easily in the landfill. If you can't find biodegradable bags, you can also purchase recycled bags like those from Seventh Generation.
- Save a tree, use less paper. You can buy "tree-free" post-consumer recycled paper for everything from greeting cards to paper towels. Emerald's eco-friendly paper products are 70% tree-free, made from Bagasse (the fibrous leftovers of sugar cane processing).
- Yes, even tableware can be green. Cover your table with beautifully made natural table linens and napkins and serve food in beautifully designed bamboo bowls. If you want to skip dishwashing, opt for recycled plastic plates and cutlery like the sets from GreenHome.com. Who knew being eco-friendly could look so good?
- Eat local and organic food when you can. When you can, support your local farmers, eat in season, and choose organic products. Avoid purchasing pre-prepared, frozen foods, and make them yourself, at home; many meals are made to be frozen and reheated without any loss in taste or quality, so there's no reason to thaw and rehydrate frozen and dehydrated foods when you can skip these steps and buy and cook fresh. Your environment and your body will thank you.
- Don't stop with your veggies and cleansers, think as far as the cocktail hour and make green changes. For example, if you are a tequila fan, swap out your "house" brand for a "green" brand like Casa Noble ultra premium tequila which is green and sustainable. And, of course, always drink in moderation.
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